Tobacco and Salt Museum, Corporate museum in Yokokawa, Japan
The Tobacco and Salt Museum is a corporate museum in Yokokawa, Japan, displaying industrial artifacts, manufacturing processes, and scientific information about tobacco cultivation and salt production throughout Japanese history. The rooms extend across several floors, connecting historical tools with modern displays and interactive elements.
The museum opened its doors in November 1978 to document the evolution of tobacco trade since its introduction to Japan in 1600 and salt production techniques. The collection grew through donations from former state monopoly enterprises that managed both industries over centuries.
The exhibitions present traditional salt harvesting methods developed during the Jōmon period, reflecting Japanese adaptation to specific climate conditions for food preservation. These techniques shaped eating habits and trade across the archipelago for thousands of years.
The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 and 6 in the evening, with admission fees of 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for students. Most exhibition areas are accessible, and English labels supplement Japanese explanations in the main galleries.
The museum building, designed by Yasui Architects & Engineers, combines industrial heritage preservation with modern exhibition spaces in the Sumida district. The architecture reflects the functional aesthetic of the industrial history it preserves, using open floor plans that recall factories and warehouses.
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